Hello All,
I'm in the process of making a mast crutch, and have a few questions for those who have pintle mounted mast crutches.
I have the custom kickup rudder with pre-drilled mast crutch mounting holes.
I've been considering the various mast crutch types.... wood, metal, fixed height, adjustable height, telescoping etc.
I'll be towing on rough gravel roads, not just nice pavement.
I have wood support at the mast step to help support the mast and lessen the load on the pintles.
I prefer the idea of having a telescopic metal crutch because:
a) I could easily adjust it's height from the cockpit. (unlike an adjustable one with just 2 sets of pintles)
b) I'm hoping to leave it on the boat all the time while it's on the trailer.
I notice that some people who have wooden pintle mounted mast crutches, have some type of brace/support against the transom to minimize a lever action against the pintles.
Some also have some type of strap/brace attached near the top, to minimize any swaying.
Question:
Have those of you who have pintle mounted mast crutches, WITHOUT any transom bracing, had any problems due to the lack of bracing ?
I'm considering buy this, removing the narrow end, and simply adding another section of square tubing to extend it's length.
It already has a perfect crutch end, and also has eyelets that would work for attaching some straps to minimize sway.
To me: Rough roads = bracing of some type required.
But do I really need to configure some type of transom bracing in addition to some straps at the top out to stern cleats ? or will the just the straps do ?
Anyone towing down rough roads have some hard won advice ?
Thanks guys,
Roy
I'm in the process of making a mast crutch, and have a few questions for those who have pintle mounted mast crutches.
I have the custom kickup rudder with pre-drilled mast crutch mounting holes.
I've been considering the various mast crutch types.... wood, metal, fixed height, adjustable height, telescoping etc.
I'll be towing on rough gravel roads, not just nice pavement.
I have wood support at the mast step to help support the mast and lessen the load on the pintles.
I prefer the idea of having a telescopic metal crutch because:
a) I could easily adjust it's height from the cockpit. (unlike an adjustable one with just 2 sets of pintles)
b) I'm hoping to leave it on the boat all the time while it's on the trailer.
I notice that some people who have wooden pintle mounted mast crutches, have some type of brace/support against the transom to minimize a lever action against the pintles.
Some also have some type of strap/brace attached near the top, to minimize any swaying.
Question:
Have those of you who have pintle mounted mast crutches, WITHOUT any transom bracing, had any problems due to the lack of bracing ?
I'm considering buy this, removing the narrow end, and simply adding another section of square tubing to extend it's length.
It already has a perfect crutch end, and also has eyelets that would work for attaching some straps to minimize sway.
To me: Rough roads = bracing of some type required.
But do I really need to configure some type of transom bracing in addition to some straps at the top out to stern cleats ? or will the just the straps do ?
Anyone towing down rough roads have some hard won advice ?
Thanks guys,
Roy